As the Mughal central authority weakened after Aurangzeb, the “administrative breakdown” in the provinces left a power vacuum. Local governors became independent or grew ineffective, making it easier for the Marathas to demand Chauth and eventually take over these regions. ...
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Kanhoji Angre, the legendary Maratha Admiral, focused on challenging the naval dominance of European powers—the British, Portuguese and Dutch—along the Konkan coast. By establishing a string of coastal forts and utilizing agile “Galbats” and “Gurabs,” he successfully protected Maratha waters, ...
The rise of the great Maratha houses was a direct result of the military autonomy granted to them by the Peshwas. These chiefs were given the freedom to lead their own expeditions and retain a portion of the conquered territories. ...
The defining difference between the two systems was their approach to authority. The Mughal system was highly centralized, with power flowing strictly from the Emperor. In contrast, the Maratha system, particularly under the Peshwas, was inherently decentralized. Regional chiefs held ...
The Treaty of Bassein was a subsidiary alliance signed by Peshwa Bajirao II with the British to regain his throne. By doing so, the head of the Maratha state officially surrendered his sovereignty and accepted British military protection. This gave ...